OCEAN SPRINGS -- A dolphin has been stuck in a freshwater lagoon in Simmons Bayou for two weeks, and the director of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies said the animal is in serious distress.

Moby Solangi said the IMMS cannot attempt to rescue the dolphin without permission from the state Department of Marine Resources.

"I don't think it can move out without human help," he said.

Melissa Scallan, DMR spokeswoman, said IMMS handles dolphin rescues because the DMR does not have a place to house a rescued dolphin. The DMR could help contain the area so IMMS could perform a rescue, she said.

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